Kat Jones
The debate over which is healthier – cow’s milk or soymilk – is a longstanding one. What is the difference? Here are several key pieces of nutritional information about the differences between the two options based on 100-gram (3.5 ounce) servings.
It is important to consider the comparison between vitamin contents in each type of milk. Most people do not realize that Vitamins A, C, and D are completely destroyed during the process of pasteurization. What vitamins appear on the nutritional information label have been added separately. These same vitamins are also terminated during the manufacturing of soymilk. Soy protein does, however, have an abundance of other vitamins and minerals animal protein does not have. In comparison to cow’s milk, soymilk includes over four times the thiamin (Vitamin B-1), almost two times the amount of niacin (Vitamin B-3), twelve times the amount of copper, forty-two times the amount of manganese, and significantly higher amounts of magnesium. Nutritionally these vitamins and minerals are crucial for neural activity, formation of bones, and preventing anemia. In the end, soymilk offers greater benefits in terms of vitamin content.
If amino acids and protein are your main concern of comparison as you ponder which carton to reach for, checking the nutritional information label will show it really doesn’t matter. Only one-half gram of protein and one-fifth of a gram more of the nine essential amino acids in cow’s milk separate the two. This slight difference in amino acid content should not be altogether ignored, though. Methionine, an essential amino acid with sulfur at its core, is found in cow’s milk in quantities more than twice that of soy based milk. When this protein builds up in the bloodstream, the body brings balance back by extracting calcium from bones. This can eventually result in osteoporosis. Another nutritional benefit of soymilk is its richness in amino acids arginine, alanine, aspartic acid, and glycine. These elements provide the benefits of acting as anti-oxidants to slow cancer growth, boosting both metabolism and the immune system, and supporting brain and nervous system functioning.
In terms of caloric information, soy based milk beats cow’s milk by over half (33 calories as opposed to 61 in cow’s milk). It is also significantly lower in fat content in comparison. Cow’s milk contains 3.34 grams of fat whereas soymilk contains only 1.91. Another drawback to cow’s milk is its complete lack of dietary fiber. Soymilk holds 1.3 grams of fiber and zero cholesterol compared to the 14 milligrams of cholesterol in regular milk. Weight conscious individuals who drink milk regularly might experience benefits from switching from animal milk to soy-based milk for cutting out additional fat.
Having some basic nutritional information should help you decide what is best for your diet. In comparison, choosing soy over animal protein is the superior nutritional option.
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *
0 Comments
No Comments yet! Be the first to start a conversation
Further Reading
Lara's 2024 Garden in Review
Written By Lara Wadsworth This year was only my third year having a garden to myself. Growing up, I gardened alongside my mother and grandmother, but after leaving home, I lived in apartments for many years without much space for a garden. I finally go...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-12-0313 min read0Cultivating Christmas Traditions
Written By Lara Wadsworth The phrase “Christmas time is here!” will soon echo through your speakers and messaging all around. Most American families, regardless of religion, seem to be celebrating this massive holiday in one way or another. Some may fo...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-11-268 min read0Giving Tuesday: Turning Gratitude Into Action
There are a million ways to make the world better. But nothing can happen without action. The best way to make a difference is to start serving, donating, and seeing the people who are within your reach. Big, honorable stories often begin with someone ...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-11-193 min read1Giving Thanks: The Origins and Traditions of Thanksgiving
Written By Lara Wadsworth One of the most quintessential American holidays is Thanksgiving. With families gathered together, sharing copious amounts of food, and many groups watching either football or televised parades, it is hard to see the true orig...
Ashleigh Smith
2024-11-158 min read1